The Elco L190 Pocket Watch
A Mid-Century Swiss-Canadian Classic from 1945-1955
Produced by Elco Clocks and Watches Ltd., a brand established in 1932 as an importer of affordable Swiss timepieces
The movement was likely sourced from Swiss ébauche makers like Recta or Helvetia and paired with an earlier Canadian case from around 1907 (common due to wartime shortages). With an open-face design to make it a sturdy everyday carry for the postwar era.
Key Specifications
Movement: Elco L190 caliber, 17 jewels, 2 adjustments, Incabloc shock protection, manual wind, stem set
Case: Derby Rolled Plate Sturdy by Montreal Watch Case Co., gold-filled, open-face
Serial Numbers: Case 4403485 (circa 1907); Movement undated but mid-20th century
Markings: Elco 17 Jewels Incabloc Swiss Made; Derby Rolled Plate Sturdy case made in Canada
Style: Gentleman’s pocket watch, suitable for vest chains
Small Details:
Hand-Scratch numbers or markings inside the case of a vintage pocket watch are commonly known as “service marks” or “repair inscriptions.”
These were etched by watchmakers or jewelers during maintenance, cleaning, or repairs, to record details such as the date of service, the type of work performed, or their personal initials/code.
They served as a personal log, often in a shorthand, that might only make full sense to the original repairer.
The INCABLOC Shock-Protection System
Introduced in 1934 by Universal Escapements Ltd (Fritz Marti) in La Chaux-de-Fonds, Switzerland.It allows the entire jewel setting to move slightly on impact, absorbing shocks.
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